Accolades, awards abound at ELC

May 17, 2013

The Estherville Lincoln Central Class of 2013 received over half a million dollars in scholarships and awards as well as other accolades on Senior Awards Day Friday.

Approximately $33,000 of that amount came from local organizations, businesses and families. Iowa Lakes Community College and its foundation also handed out several scholarships for those planning to attend that school. Iowa Lakes scholarships totaled around $86,000.

A handful of students also received several thousands of dollars to attend four-year private schools.

"I'd like to thank all the teachers, administration support staff and all those who helped these students from kindergarten to today," he said.

Among the recognition awards, presenter Lili Jensen noted there were 16 recipients of the Purple Cord. Those students combined for 2,806 1/4 hours of service to community. Of the Purple Cord students, Jensen said Gretchen Probst had the highest hours of service of 566 3/4 hours.

Another award of note is the attendance award presented to the student who has missed the fewest days during four years of high school. Mackenzie Wilson earned that distinction by missing just a half a day.

Both the valedictorian and salutatorian finished with a grade point average over 4.0.

According to high school principal Frank Christenson, Probst finished with a 4.052 GPA to earn valedictorian honors while salutatorian Emily Kirchner finished with a 4.039 GPA.

Both will speak at Sunday's 2 p.m. commencement in the ELC High School gym.